Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Surely, the Government is aware, following instructions from the Taoiseach, of what date in January the Dáil will come back. We have firm indications of the Taoiseach's intention to call an election and to hold it in the month of February. The Green Party wants it at the end of January. I would prefer if it were now. However, the Government should be aware by now what date the Dáil is being recalled in January. The original calendar was for 18 January. In view of the unprecedented and harsh economic circumstances that our people face, surely it should be in order to sit longer before Christmas and to come back earlier. The people want their say and there is no point in the Government Members prolonging the agony for themselves. The Government could have all of this done before Christmas if it so wished. If the Tánaiste maintains the Government cannot do it, what is the earliest date in January that the Dáil will be recalled? Will it be 6 January, 7 January or when?

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